Frank Habineza, the chairman of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda, has promised to bring about changes in the mining sector, during a campaign event in Muhanga District. Habineza, alongside 50 DGPR parliamentary candidates, is canvassing for votes ahead of the elections slated for July 14 to 16. During the campaign rally held on July 9, he said that the mining sector faces numerous environmental and regulatory challenges. ALSO READ: Govt closes 13 mining concessions over safety, environmental issues Habineza highlighted the disorderly nature of current mining practices, which he claims threaten the environment. He pointed to issues such as erosion from excavation sites leading to water shortages and drying hydroelectric dams. “We will review and revise the law that regulates the issuance of mining permits. A transparent inspection will be conducted before permits are issued to ensure adherence to environmental regulations, protecting mountains, wetlands, and rivers,” Habineza explained. ALSO READ: Rwanda Decides: Top 13 campaign pledges candidates have made so far The Green Party also plans to create new maps to identify locations and types of gemstones, preventing disorganized mining. During the campaign, Habineza addressed additional issues, including expropriation, clean water access, health insurance improvements, and tax reforms. He promised to ensure that there will be at least 100 liters of water per person, increase the health insurance budget, and remove certain taxes including land taxes, without negatively affecting the economy. Muhanga resident Vivens Hategekimana commended the party’s broad plans, especially the proposed changes in the education sector. He proposed that party leaders also include a reduction in school fees on their to do list. But Hategekimana expressed concerns about the economic impact of removing land taxes, to which Habineza responded, saying that the country has alternative revenue sources. Claudine Munyemanzi, another resident, expressed support for Green Party’s initiatives, particularly the introduction of school feeding programmes and land tax reductions. He said: “It’s up to us to make the right decision on July 15. We have seen all three presidential candidates and heard their plans for the country's development. “Therefore, personally I will make a decision and vote the most outstanding [candidate] in striving for the well-being of all citizens.”
